Buying wine online is a convenient way to discover wines that you may not be able to find in your local store. It’s also a great option if you are looking for a special bottle for a certain occasion.
Shopping for wine online can be a seamless and efficient process when you do it through a trusted online retailer.
1. Convenience
Buying wine online might not have the same appeal as strolling through the aisles of your local wine shop, but there are several benefits to shopping for wines via the Internet. For starters, online wine retailers typically offer free or subsidized shipping. Likewise, many allow you to pick up your order at a designated collection point, saving on additional delivery costs.
Another advantage of purchasing wine online is the ease with which you can compare prices. By clicking the “compare” button on a retailer’s website, you can quickly see how much each bottle costs. This can help you make a more informed, rather than impulsive, decision. Additionally, the best online retailers provide professional wine ratings or scores and other educational resources to help inform consumers.
One last benefit to buying white wine online is that many online wine retailers carry wines that are not available in their physical stores. This allows them to offer a wide range of options for wine lovers, Like from rare bottlings to limited-release vintages. Additionally, many online retailers work directly with American wineries and importers to purchase their wines. This helps to ensure the finest wines are delivered to consumers at reasonable prices. This is especially beneficial for wine drinkers living in remote areas, who would not have access to these fine selections otherwise.
2. Variety
Online wine retailers often provide a library of information for consumers to read up on the wines they sell. They may include professional wine ratings or scores, detailed descriptions of the wine, educational articles and videos, and other resources for people to use when making a decision about what to purchase. These are all great ways to ensure that wine consumers are making a fully informed purchase, rather than simply purchasing whatever is convenient for them at the moment.
Another great thing about shopping for wine online is that consumers can easily compare prices between different online vendors. This is a luxury that many shoppers don’t enjoy when shopping in a traditional brick and mortar shop. It is often a good idea to shop for wines on sale, or to look into special discounts and deals that are available from time to time (like Black Friday).
One of the things that makes it so convenient to purchase wine online is that it can be shipped to almost anywhere in the country. Obviously, this isn’t possible in all states, and the laws governing direct-to-consumer shipping vary from state to state (see this map). However, many retailers maintain warehouses in states where they are permitted to ship, which means that there is a large selection of wines to choose from, no matter what state you live in.
3. Value
Online retailers do not have the same overhead costs as physical stores, which means they can offer their customers a much more expansive selection of wines. This includes online exclusives, special bottlings and wines that are difficult to find in local markets. These advantages can open up a new world of possibilities for wine lovers that are looking to explore more diverse and exciting varietals from around the globe.
Another advantage of shopping online is that it provides consumers with the opportunity to compare prices and value across several different wine retailers at a quick glance, making it easy to score deals and save money. Plus, many online wine retailers provide ratings and reviews, which help consumers get more out of their purchases by allowing them to make informed purchasing decisions.
Lastly, many online wine retailers offer free or heavily subsidized shipping and will allow you to pick up your order at a nearby collection point. This eliminates the hassle of driving in the snow/sleet/ice/rain or hail and can be a huge time-saver for busy people. In addition, many of the best wineries and online retailers offer general loyalty programs that can help you save 10, 20, or even 30% on your next purchase!
4. Customer Service
Buying wine online doesn’t have the same charm as strolling the aisles of your local bottle shop but it does have a lot of technical advantages. Especially for those who are busy and want to enjoy wine with friends but are restricted by the time constraints of the workday, it is an excellent option.
When shopping with a reputable online wine company you can be confident in the quality and service that will be provided. Most of the best sites make it fast and easy to navigate a large selection with simple filters and a user-friendly layout. Online wine stores also provide consumer ratings, critic scores and tasting notes to help you select the perfect wines for every occasion.
Another aspect to consider when placing your order is how the wine will be delivered. Some online wine companies deliver directly to your home or office while others use a network of regional delivery services including FedEx, UPS, GSO and many other options. The alcoholic beverage control laws in most states prohibit wine shipments from being sent to your home unless a person 21 years or older is present to receive the package.
Most reputable wine companies offer easy returns if you are not happy with your purchase, giving you confidence that the wines that arrive are fresh and properly stored. Another great feature is that most online wine companies will store your wine in a cool, dark environment until they are ready to be shipped out. This prevents the wine from being exposed to hot temperatures that can cause tainting and loss of flavor.